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The Pulse
South Asia is a story of promise and peril where Asia’s conflicting forces of modernity and reaction meet head on. Home to a multitude of different cultures, ethnicities, and religions, The Diplomat's regional correspondents and experts will provide the insight you need to navigate one of the world's most consequential regions.
India and the Afghan Taliban
By Kabir Taneja
Can Delhi contribute to an Afghan political reconciliation?
Is the Province of Punjab Meeting its Education Challenge Effectively?
By Umair Jamal
Nonattendance, lack of infrastructure, gender disparity and quality of education remain major challenges in the province.
Russia's Soft Power Push in Afghanistan
By Samuel Ramani
Investment in Afghan economic development is part of a strategy to rebrand Russia’s image in Afghanistan.
Islamists in Pakistan Reverse Counterterrorism Efforts
By Umair Jamal
Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts are back to square one.
Afghan Parliamentary Elections: Huffing and Puffing, But Missing the Bigger Picture
By Nafay Choudhury
The current focus on the shortcomings of the IEC risks overshadowing the bigger problems of electoral representation.
Hafiz Saeed’s Release Completes the Political Mainstreaming of Jihadists in Pakistan
By Kunwar Khuldune Shahid
The prime suspect of the Mumbai attacks can now personally spearhead the Islamist campaign for parliament.
India’s Regional Power Credentials Under Threat by China
By Ana Pararajasingham
In both Maldives and Sri Lanka, China has been chipping away at Indian influence.
India and the 12th East Asia Summit
By Rupakjyoti Borah
Why the recent East Asia Summit was important for India.
India Shouldn’t Trust Trump and Tillerson
By Riju Agrawal
Take the glowing words from this U.S. administration with a grain of salt.
Power Shift: India's Nominee Re-Elected to ICJ
By Harsh V. Pant
The UK withdrawing its candidate to the ICJ is a tribute to smart and aggressive diplomacy by India.
What Islamists ‘Sit-ins’ in Islamabad Say About Pakistan's Militancy Problem
By Umair Jamal
Does Pakistan need a de-radicalization plan for itself?
Is Delhi Willing To Save Its Choking Lungs?
By Priyanka Borpujari
Delhi's 'deadly smoke' has returned.